Paul McCreesh’s decision to give Handel’s original 1740 version of course entails the loss of later additions, some of them favourites. Instead he prefaces Parts 1 and 2 each with a concerto grosso (op. 6/1 and 3) and Part 3 with the Organ Concerto op. 7/1. As has long been customary with Gabrieli performances both singing and orchestral playing are outstanding, as is the solo team, with soprano Gillian Webster producing some ravishing mezzo voce singing, tenor Jeremy Ovenden superb in both diction and projection, an exceptional treble in Laurence Kilsby and noble singing of the baritone and bass parts by Peter Harvey and Ashley Riches respectively. This is quite simply life-enhancing music making, a glorious achievement in every respect.